As the early learning sector faces challenges due to federal and statewide budget cuts, BrightSpark Early Learning Services is standing strong in our commitment to improving families’ access to high-quality child care – and so are the amazing child care providers we work with.
In partnership with BrightSpark’s dedicated Early Learning Coaching team, 14 child care programs have achieved a level 5 – the highest ranking possible – through the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)’s Early Achievers quality recognition and improvement system.
These providers and programs are:
- Karima Ramadan
- Xenia N. Cartagena
- Kids Country Burien
- Liliya Aukhimovich
- Kidzone Learning Center III
- Chelon L. Jackson
- Saliha Madani
- Georgina Malagon
- Issaquah Montessori School
- Midland’s Kiddie Korral
- The Goddard School of Redmond
- The Goddard School of Bellevue
- Northwest Center Kids
- Cartagena De Madrid
To reach a Level 5 Quality Score, providers must meet each of the Washington Administrative Codes set for licensed early learning programs by the DCYF. Levels 3-5 are considered to have a quality level of “excellence,” having demonstrated quality through an on-site assessment focused on the learning environment and interactions between teachers and children.
What it Takes to Reach Level 5
Maintaining a successful child care program is more demanding than many might realize and requires significant time and energy outside of a typical 9-to-5 work schedule. This work encompasses more than caring for children – it also includes the logistical aspects of running a small business.
“We know childcare providers spend their days fully present with children. This includes engaging in conversation and care routines, supporting peer relationships, cooking, cleaning, hugging, helping, reading, playing, and inspiring wonder and curiosity,” explained BrightSpark Early Learning Coach Abby Dell.
“Carving out time to work on these additional tasks during the work day is a significant and unseen challenge that many providers experience, and many end up working on quality recognition tasks outside of their work hours.”
“The most challenging part, I would say, was getting used to a new rating system and the amount of time it took to receive feedback from our submissions!” shared Tatianna Sparks, Director of KidZone Learning Center III.
Despite these challenges, these child care providers leaned into their strengths to support their peers and ensure their care was of the highest quality possible.
“Between waiting for the feedback and being able to make our next submission, I used the time by helping my staff through any questions, utilizing our EA coach to come in with observations and additional assistance, and making sure my teachers had whatever additional resources I could to help them better prepare for their next video submission,” said Sparks.
The Importance of Collaboration, Connection, and Community
Each of the providers listed above received one-on-one support from a BrightSpark Early Learning Coach as they navigated the Early Achievers quality standards. Coaches support their partner providers by celebrating successes, identifying areas for growth, and providing resources and guidance on best practices relating to all things early learning.
BrightSpark’s coaching philosophy centers personal relationships to ensure the support given honors each providers’ needs, values, and culture.
“The most rewarding part has been witnessing providers realize the impact of their own growth,” said Allison Southard-Hood, an Early Learning Coach at BrightSpark. “Supporting them as they push past doubt, step into their strengths, and take pride in their work has been truly fulfilling.”
“Becoming a level 5 has been such an amazing accomplishment to have and uphold. If I have to choose one thing to be most proud of, I would say becoming the first center in the city of Lakewood to receive such a high honor,” said Sparks.
These wins underscore the importance of community and a commitment to offering children and families across King and Pierce Counties a high-quality early learning experience. BrightSpark extends both congratulations and gratitude for the coaches and providers who leaned into this work and created an early learning experience of the highest possible caliber.